How to Build a Motorcycle Toolkit That Works
About this episode
Riders break down how to build a motorcycle toolkit that actually covers the repairs you’re likely to face on adventure rides—without hauling a random shopping-list of tools. Clinton Smout shares real roadside/trail experience, emphasizing planning by common failure points (flats, drivetrain/clunks, electrical gremlins, leaks/radiators, crash damage) and practicing wheel removal at home. He also covers organization (tool rolls, labeled pouches, keeping fasteners contained) plus “forgotten” essentials like headlamps, gloves, tarps, first aid, JB Weld, zip ties, safety wire, and basic lighting/cutting supplies. The episode ends with a look at Obsidian Adventure Gear’s model-specific compact toolkit concept, built around modular, low-bulk tools and a replaceable reciprocating saw blade.
Putting together the right toolkit can make all the difference when you’re out riding—especially on an adventure bike, where help isn’t always close by. We talk about how to build an efficient setup, from choosing what actually belongs in your kit to organizing it so it’s easy to use when it matters most. The conversation covers how to prepare for unpredictable issues like flat tires, leaks, and bent or broken parts, along with the often-overlooked supplies that can save the day during a roadside or trailside repair. Along the way, Jim talks with Clinton Smout from SMART Performance Centre about building a toolkit around the jobs you’re most likely to face, and we’re joined by Matthew Kunz from Obsidian Adventure Gear to look at compact, bike-specific tool systems designed to keep you prepared without carrying half the garage.
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